Apple Exchanging Recently-Purchased iPads for Fourth-Gen Models?

Today’s word of Apple’s new iPad refresh (will we start calling it the iPad 4? The jury’s still out on that one) sounds absolutely fantastic… unless you just bought an old iPad 3 at the same price. Are you stuck with that old tablet? Luck might be on your side, as it’s looking like there could be a good chance that Apple will let customers exchange their iPads for these new models under certain circumstances.

This is far from universally confirmed, but what we’re hearing is that Apple Stores may accept exchanges of the iPad 3 that were purchased in the past thirty days and are still in good condition for the new fourth-generation iPad.

CNET was able to confirm with one individual Apple Store that this is indeed the case, but the manger did explain that this situation wasn’t necessarily Apple’s official policy, and was only able to confirm that it’s in place at that specific location.

Still, if this catches on and other Apple Stores respond the same way, this could seriously help mend relationships with quite a few upset customers. Sorry, those of you who bought a new iPad two months back!

Stephen has been writing about electronics since 2008, which only serves to frustrate him that he waited so long to combine his love of gadgets and his degree in writing. In his spare time, he collects console and arcade game hardware, is a motorcycle enthusiast, and enjoys trapping blue crabs. Stephen's first mobile device was a 624 MHz Dell Axim X30, which he's convinced is still a viable platform. Stephen longs for a market where phones are sold independently of service, and bandwidth is cheap and plentiful; he's not holding his breath. In the meantime, he devours smartphone news and tries to sort out the juicy bitsRead more about Stephen Schenck!